Hidden Henley

THESE masks hang over the entrance to the Kenton Theatre in New Street, Henley.

THESE masks hang over the entrance to the Kenton Theatre in New Street, Henley.

The name comes from Robert Kenton who left the building to the town when he died in 1805 and it was known as the New Theatre.

The theatre, the fourth oldest in the country still in use, is run almost entirely by volunteers and relies heavily on fund-raising.

The masks would be joined by an illuminated sign if the theatre trustess had their way but their planning application was turned down by South Oxfordshire District Council after a number of objections from residents and Henley councillors.

The trustees have appealed so they may still have the last laugh... or should be the last act?